Hayes steps down from Ann's Place

Susan Tuz

Updated 11:11 pm, Monday, July 8, 2013

Wilda Hayes has retired after 17 years as president and CEO of Ann's Place, The Home of I Can, an organization that helps families affected by cancer, located in Danbury, Conn. Sunday, July 7, 2013.
Photo: Michael Duffy

Wilda Hayes has retired after 17 years as president and CEO of Ann's Place, The Home of I Can, an organization that helps families affected by cancer, located in Danbury, Conn. Here she cleans out her office on Sunday, July 7, 2013.
Photo: Michael Duffy

Dorothy Adams, is the new president and CEO of Ann's Place, The Home of I Can, an organization that helps families affected by cancer, located in Danbury, Conn. She is seen here on her first day on the job Monday, July 8, 2013.
Photo: Michael Duffy

Dorothy Adams, is the new president and CEO of Ann's Place, The Home of I Can, an organization that helps families affected by cancer, located in Danbury, Conn. She is seen here on her first day on the job Monday, July 8, 2013.
Photo: Michael Duffy

Wilda Morgan Hayes, president and CEO of Ann's Place, The Home of I Can, has retired after 16 years of leading the organization.

Hayes and her husband, Ron Olsen, have dedicated their time and energy to support cancer patients and their families since 1991.

That year, Olsen and Hayes began administering a fund in Olsen's late wife's name -- the Ann Olsen Endowment. Ann Olsen died of leukemia in 1987. The endowment merged with I Can in 1995 to supply a broader range of cancer support services in Greater Danbury.

In 1997, Hayes began work as executive director of Ann's Place, The Home of I Can. Her title changed last year to president.

During her tenure, Hayes led the planning and construction of the 17,000-squre-foot building on Saw Mill Road in Danbury that now houses the organization's programs. The new facility opened January last year, and Hayes, ready to retire at that time, agreed to stay on and shepherd Ann's Place throughout the transition period. It now serves more than 750 clients a month.

"I've always had fun and loved what I was doing," Hayes said. "But it's time for new ideas, new faces -- a new generation to take over."

"I feel a sense of fulfillment," she added. "My husband and I have dedicated a lot of our lives to supporting Ann's Place. We feel we can now step back and let new people take over."

"It's been satisfying to be part of this organization's development and growth for the community."

David Numberger, chairman of the board of directors of Ann's Place, lauded Hayes for her years of service and dedication.

"Wilda's name is synonymous with Ann's Place, and she will be sorely missed," Numberger said. "She has generously agreed to assist the new president during this transition by continuing to support several key project in 2013."

On Monday, Hayes passed the baton to Redding resident Dorothy D. Adams. Adams comes to the position with more than 20 years of experience in both the for-profit and not-for-profit worlds.

"Dorothy brings a strong background to Ann's Place and a passion to successfully lead the organization to the next level of development," Numberger said.